Mike Rama retains post as PDP-Laban’s VP for Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama retained his position after being formally elected as PDP-Laban’s National Vice President for the Visayas during the party’s National Assembly in Davao City.

His election, alongside a new slate of national officers, underscores the party’s bid to consolidate its ranks and rally behind Vice President Sara Duterte as its presidential bet.

The assembly installed former President Rodrigo Duterte as chairman, Alfonso Cusi as vice chairman, and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as party president.

Lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, who previously served as Vice President for the Corporate and Social Responsibility Group and Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at PAGCOR, was elected executive vice president.

Former Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado was chosen as secretary-general, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as auditor, and Atty. Aimee Torrefranca-Neri as treasurer.

Penelope “Penny” Belmonte was elected vice president for the National Capital Region, Joseph Villareal for Luzon, and Rama for the Visayas.

Prior to his election, Rama had initially been expected to contest the post against Atty. Jayvee Hinlo, a Bacolod-based lawyer and Duterte ally who served as a DILG undersecretary and commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission.

Rama later explained to THE FREEMAN that had he known of Hinlo’s intention to run, he might have given him the support he needed.

Rama, who is also a lawyer, was also urged to run for executive vice president and vice president for international affairs but begged off, saying he just wanted to focus on matters concerning the Visayas region.

He then expressed gratitude to the around 600 members who voted for him, saying their confidence strengthened his resolve to help rebuild PDP-Laban’s ranks.

He emphasized that the party is “increasing in numbers back again” and underscored the need for unity as PDP-Laban rallies behind Vice President Sara Duterte.

Rama’s association with PDP-Laban dates back to Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency in 2016, when he aligned himself with the party following Duterte’s rise to power.

He first held the Visayas vice presidency after being selected and confirmed before being formally elected during this latest assembly.

“Historical akong mandate karon..Katong sauna, kuan man lang to, selection unya affirmation..We were selected, agreed by and confirmed by Digong…Katong all major officers were all Digong’s nominee, dili ka mahimo ato without Digong’s approval…I ended up being a part of PDP katong na isaha ng kamot ni Mike Rama (by the former President Duterte),” said Rama.

Rama’s political career spans decades, having been elected as councilor from 1992 to 2001, vice mayor from 2001 to 2010, Cebu City mayor from 2010 to 2016 and again from 2021 to 2024, and vice mayor in 2019 before succeeding Edgardo Labella upon his death.

Rama was reelected mayor in 2022. He then lost his reelection bid for mayor during the 2025 election.

The new PDP-Laban leadership also includes committee chairpersons tasked with strengthening the party’s grassroots machinery: Astravel Pimentel-Naik for membership, Yvette Contacto for legal affairs, Girlie Balaba for finance, Rommel Lim for arbitration, Reygela Decalit for livelihood, Jayve French Marigondon for social services, Monique Contacto for youth, Blessilda Villo for women and children, Franklin Quijano for senior citizens, Gemma Sotto for migrant workers, and Arbie Llesis for indigenous people. — /IHM (FREEMAN)